Grilled jumbo shrimp and asparagus on saffron rice

While browsing through for ideas for sides with grilled shrimp, I found an elegant meal served by Ina Garton of Barefoot contessa fame. The combo looked perfect and so here It is. I made several changes in the saffron rice recipe and am sure you all will love this version. It kind of evolves from the pilaf recipes of the Mughlai cuisine, and goes very well with shrimp. This rice can be served with any BBQ meats such as Cedar wrapped salmon , Malai chicken tikka , Tandoori chicken , Grilled red snapper , Stuffed chicken breast and grilled Tilapia. To avoid the flavour competition, I kept the shrimp and asparagus fairly simple.  

Saffron rice

Saffron Rice 
Ingredients: serves 4
1/2 tsp saffron threads plus 1 tbsp milk
2 Tbsp ghee or clarified butter
4 green cardamom pods
1 small (2-inch) cinnamon stick
5 whole cloves
1 1/2 cups basmati rice
3 cups water
Salt to taste (optional)
1 tbsp orange zest
3 Tbsp pistachios
3 Tbsp blanched slivered or sliced almonds
1/3 cup cranberries

• Wash rice and drain the water.
• In a heavy bottomed pan heat ghee and add cardamom, cloves, cinnamon. stir for 10 seconds and add rice along with zest and cranberries. stir to coat the rice with ghee and spices.
• Add water and salt. mix well. Add the saffron threads soaked in milk. Stir well if you want the entire rice to turn yellow OR just give it one random stir to get the effect you see in the picture.
• Bring to boil. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes till rice is cooked through and all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and stir in the almonds and pistachios.

Shrimp and asparagus on the grill

Grilled garlic shrimp and Asparagus
Ingredients: (serves 4)
500 gms fresh asparagus, hard ends trimmed off
25-30 jumbo shrimps
4 tbsp olive oil 
2-3 cloves of garlic grated
1 tsp dry parsley
salt and pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 450 F.

• Drizzle asparagus and shrimps with olive oil and season with salt, pepper and sprinkle parsley on top. Add grated garlic to the shrimp and mix well. 
• Place asparagus in a single layer on the preheated grill on high. It will take about 15 minutes for them to grill. Turn after 7 minutes. At this point place the marinated shrimps in a single layer. Shrimps will cook way faster than asparagus so time accordingly. 
• Roast shrimps for about 4-5 minutes per side (will need less time if shrimps are smaller in size) till they turn pink.  Roast asparagus till it wrinkles a bit.
• Serve on a bed of saffron rice.

Chocolate truffles

These rich and decadent bite sized chocolates are a fave of all chocolate lovers. A French invention of the seventeenth century, the original chocolate truffle was a ball of ganache (smooth and velvety mixture of chocolate and cream), flavored and rolled in cocoa to simulate the 'dirt', real truffles grew in. Hence named 'Truffle' after the precious black truffle fungus.

The real taste of a chocolate truffle depends largely on the quality of chocolate used in the recipe. Not all cooking chocolates are created equal. Factors such as level of toasting of the cocoa beans, amount of cocoa butter added, its final texture, etc. all affect the taste and quality of the final product.

Before you start making these yummylicious delights decide on type of chocolate you will use. As per your taste you can choose between semi sweet or bitter sweet chocolate. Choose between cocoa powder, shredded coconut, toasted chopped nuts, powdered sugar dusting, crushed peppermint candy or chocolate shavings as coating.

Truffles can be flavored with addition of rum, cognac, brandy, frangelico, bourbon, etc.

Cocoa covered Chocolate truffles

Ingredients: Makes about 24-30
8 ounces bitter sweet (or semi sweet) chocolate
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (35%)
1-2 tbsp alcohol (choose from above mentioned options) optional
Coating
Toasted chopped pistachios or almonds or walnuts
Cocoa powder sifted
Shredded unsweetened coconut
Powdered sugar
Crushed peppermint candy

1. In a small saucepan bring cream and butter to boil. 
2. Remove from heat and add chocolate. Stir till it completely melts and combines with the cream mixture. 
3. If using, mix in the liqueur. Cover and refrigerate till firm. This could take a minimum of 4 hours or more. 
4. Place the coating in a deep bowl. With your hand or a melon baller scoop out small bite sized balls. Roll them on the coating and place on a parchment paper lined container. Refrigerate till firm. 
5. Make sure you touch them with your hand as less as possible as this will melt the chocolate. Best to make irregular sized truffles. 
6. Can be stored at room temperature in an air tight container for a 4-5 days, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Coconut covered Chocolate truffles

Dum pukht Chicken biryani

The essence of dum pukth lies in its aroma, where meat rice and vegetables are allowed to infuse in rich spices by cooking them on a very slow flame in a copper or earthen pot covered with dough. This purdah (veil) style of cooking seals the pot with the dough allowing the food to cook slowly in its own juices and infusing the flavour all over. These dishes use a generous amount of ghee and are elaborate to make.
You can use either lamb or chicken, preferably with bones. Traditionally the dough is made of wheat flour, ghee and sugar. But its easier to use puff pastry as it saves a lot of time and tastes crisp, flaky and wonderful.

Dum pukht Chicken biryani

Ingredients: serves 5-6
2 lb bone in chicken legs and/or thighs
2 cups basmati rice
1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
2 large red onions finely julienne
1 small tomato pureed
3/4 cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp tandoori masala (recipe)
1 tbsp kasoori methi
2 tsp dry mint leaves
vegetable oil
salt and red chilli powder to taste
1/2 package frozen Puff pastry defrosted
whole spices : dry grind them coarsely
1 black cardamom
5-6 green cardamoms
1 inch cinnamon stick
5-6 cloves
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp black peppercorns
1/2 tsp coriander seeds

1. Clean the chicken and pat dry. Give it several slits to allow good marination. Make the marinade by combining half the yogurt with 1 tsp ginger garlic paste, tandoori masala and salt. Mix with chicken and refrigerate to allow marination for a minimum of 4 hours. 
2. In a pan sauté the onions till they are golden brown. Keep aside. 
3. Wash and drain the rice. In a pan heat 1 tbsp oil and add a third of the coarsely ground dry spices. Let them spatter for 3-5 seconds. Add rice and sauté in the spices for a minute to coat each grain with oil and spice. 
4. Add 4 cups water and salt to taste. Bring to a rolling boil and simmer covered for 7 minutes till rice are two thirds done. Meanwhile cook the chicken. 
5. In a large pan heat 2 tbsp oil and add the remaining coarsely ground dry spices along with kasuri methi, mint leaves and red chili powder and the marinated chicken. Cook on high stirring frequently till the chicken no longer looks pink, about 7 minutes. 
6. Add tomato and remaining yogurt along with salt and continue cooking on high till oil starts to leave the sides of the chicken.
7. Layering - Grease a large oven proof dish and start layering the rice and chicken in alternate layers. Cover the pan with rolled out puff pastry ensuring all edges are sealed. Place in a preheated oven at 350 F for 30 minutes till the pastry is golden and crisp on top.
8. Dig out the yummylicious chicken infused rice along with a portion of the crisp dough and enjoy with raita and green salad.

Layer rice and chicken

Cover with puff pastry

Mince Chicken pie with scalloped potatoes

As cold weather sets in warm hearty casseroles are a way to go. This pie is almost a complete meal in itself. Add lots of veges to the meat to make it more hearty. I used small white potatoes with skin on. You can use red potatoes or even russet potatoes peeled and sliced. Serve with green salad or crisp green beans and some crusty bread to dunk the meat.

Sauté mince chicken and carrots in a pan

Ingredients: serves 4
1 lb lean ground chicken
1 red onion chopped fine
3 carrots sliced
4 large ripe tomatoes chopped
1 cup chicken stock
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp dry thyme
4 tsp olive oil
3-4 cloves garlic crushed
3-4 large potatoes
salt and pepper to taste

Bake at 350 F for 30-40 minutes

• Boil potatoes till they are three quarters cooked. slice them into even thin rounds. Season them with salt and pepper and keep aside.
• Preheat the oven to 350 F.
• In a pan heat 2 tsp oil and cook onion and half the garlic for 3-4 seconds. Add mince chicken and sauté till it is no longer pink.
• Add tomatoes and carrots and cook on high for 2 minutes. Mix cornstarch in the chicken stock and add to the pan along with herbs ans seasoning. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
• Grease a shallow pie dish and transfer the cooked chicken to it. Layer the potatoes on top of the meat mixture. Make a mixture of 2 tsp olive oil and rest of the crushed garlic and brush liberally over the layered potatoes.
• Cook in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes till potatoes are tender and golden.     

Mince Chicken pie with scalloped potatoes

Mince Chicken pie with scalloped potatoes

Chicken meatball sub with grilled peppers

Robustly flavored meatballs and a hearty tomato sauce makes for a wonderful sandwich filling. And if you top it with melted cheese then it becomes heavenly. During the chilly months try this hot sub sandwich instead of cold cuts. Pair it with grilled veges, oven fries or a crunchy coleslaw. These are great for entertaining, use mini burgers and place one meatball with sauce topped with cheese for a 2 bite sub. Kids will love this too. Meatballs can be made in advance and frozen.

Meatballs
Ingredients: makes about 25

Comes with a warning, handle with extreme caution

Naga Morich meaning 'snake or serpent Chile’ is an apt name for this ferociously hot variety of pepper. It is believed to be very closely related to its Indian cousin, the Bhut jolokia (Bih jolokia). In recent tests, one Naga Morich pod registered 1,598,227 Scoville units. 
I had 2 plants of this growing in my backyard and after sharing with neighbors and friends I ended up with a small jar of this firebomb. After harvesting I sun dried these for 3 weeks and then pulsed in my grinder. This will last me a whole year.

Khasta kachori is the essential hearty and heavy breakfast food of northern India, especially the streets of Uttar Pradesh. It is available at all halwai shops and street vendors in the mornings, enticing everyone with its rich and spicy aroma of deep-fried dough and hing tadka.

This dish is in the category of "make it once in a blue moon, or special occasions" in our house, yet it is so sinfully delish that I had to share the recipe with you.

If you are having it as a meal then pair it with aloo ki subji with hing tadka (UP style). If you are indulging in it as a snack then pair with mango pickle or green chutney.

1. Peel and boil potatoes. Roughly chop them and keep aside. 
2. Heat oil in a pan and add asafoetida and cumin seeds. Add the potatoes and all the spices and mix well to incorporate the flavor. Cook while stirring on medium heat for 2-3 minutes. 
3. Add puréed tomatoes and cook for another 4 minutes. 
4. Add 1/2 cup water and bring the whole concoction to boil. Simmer for 2-3 minutes till the desired consistency is achieved. 
5. Garnish with fresh coriander.

Dates are a great way to lower the fat content in any dessert. Along with being a good source of iron, they provide a buttery texture when cooked.

This vegan recipe is oh so simple and quite healthy. You really don't miss anything in this. Make sure to add all four types of nuts as they all contribute greatly to the flavor. Sesame seeds give it that hmmm.. touch. Some people make this recipe by putting all the ingredients in a food processor and making a smooth textured mixture. I like the chunky texture of dates and nuts and so I avoid using the processor. Chopping and cooking the dates in a small amount of water makes it easier to shape the log and incorporate the nuts. Try either way and find your favorite method to make them.
These rolls look fabulous and taste even better. A must try.

Kalakand barfi

Kalakand is a soft,moist delicious dessert very popular all over India specially during festivals and celebrations. Traditionally its made by boiling milk down to half its volume and combining it with paneer or cottage cheese, a tedious and long process. But a much simpler microwave version of the recipe takes about quarter the time and comes out as delicious. I have written down both recipes and have also tried both. The results are almost same. Try this recipe during the festive season this year and enjoy.

The traditional method
Ingredients:
2 litres Milk
1/2 to 3/4 cup Sugar
1/3 tsp cardamoms powder
chopped nuts to decorate (pistachios, almonds)
1/2 tsp. Citric acid dissolved in 1/5 cup water

1. Bring 1 litre of milk to boil. Add the citric solution as it comes to boil stirring constantly. 
2. Switch off heat once the paneer(curdled cheese) settles down. Sieve through muslin cloth, press out excess water, keep aside on a plate. Do not knead. 
3. Put the remaining milk in a heavy pan and boil till it reduces to half its volume. You have to be careful to not let the milk boil over or burn from the bottom. So after it boils, reduce heat and stir continuously. 
4. Once the milk reduces, add paneer and boil till the mixture thickens. Stir continuously. 
5. Add sugar and continue to cook, stirring all the while till it softly thickens into a lump. Remove from heat. Stir in cardamom powder. 
6. Pour the mixture in a greased tray, sprinkle chopped nuts on top and press them down to help them stick. 
7. Cover and allow to set either in the refrigerator for an hour or on the counter-top for a few hours. Cut into small squares and serve.

Thin, whole wheat Vermicelli- 2 cups
Vegetables like carrots, peas, green beans, potato- 4 cups (I sometimes use frozen mixed veggies)
Oil- 2 tbsp
Salt to taste
Mustard- 1/2 tsp
Hing or asafoetida – A pinch
Curry leaves- 2 sprigs
1 tsp urad dal

Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish served with a tangy lemony sauce. Slice the chicken breast and then flatten them between two sheets of plastic wrap to even out the thickness of the meat. This ensures even cooking all across.
This can be served with rice or pasta as a side dish accompanied by a steamed vegetable. It tastes great with veggie rice and simple spaghetti tossed in butted and cheese.

Chicken Piccata
Ingredients: (serves 4-6)
2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, butterflied and then cut in half
Salt, paprika and freshly ground black pepper
All-purpose flour, for dredging
2 tbsp butter
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup chicken stock
splash of white wine
1 tsp capers
1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped

During the Navratri festival a lot of Hindus observe eight days of fasting. Fasting can be of several types. Complete abstinence is called upavaas, avoiding any cereal and only eating fruits and root vegetables is called phalahaar. For navratri its mostly phalahaar. People eat only once in the evening and consume no cereal even in that meal.

Potato is a popular choice for such meals and is prepared in several ways. Another favourite is fruit chaat, which is a blend of chopped fruit flavoured with salt and lemon juice. For those of you who are fasting, here are some recipes.

On the eighth day devotees break their fast and worship little girls (between the ages of 2-12) as the goddess herself by offering poori with halwa and chane along with some little gifts and/or money.

Jeera Aloo

Jeera Aloo
Ingredients: (serves 1)
2 baking potatoes, peeled and sliced (I have used small white potatoes with skin on)
1/4 tsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp butter or ghee (or vegetable oil)
1/2 tsp coriander powder
salt and pepper to taste

• Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.
• Let them splatter for 30 seconds, then add potatoes. Coat then evenly with oil and cumin.
• Add coriander, salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Mix well.
• Cover the pan and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring 2-3 times to allow even cooking. Cook till tender crisp. Garnish with fresh coriander.

Jeera Aloo

Fruit Chaat (fruit salad)
Ingredients:
Banana, apple, pear, grapes, oranges, pineapple, any fruits you might want to add. Some versions also add boiled sweet potato and cucumber to the fruit salad.
Kala namak (black rock salt)
Black pepper
Cumin powder
Lime juice

• Cut fruits into bite size pieces and combine in a large bowl.
• Flavour with lime juice, kala namak , freshly ground black pepper and dry roasted cumin powder. Mix well and refrigerate. Serve chilled.

Oven fried Tilapia with coleslaw and quinoa salad

Oven fried Tilapia

Oven fried Tilapia
Ingredients: (serves 4)
4 tilapia fillets
2 tsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp yogurt
1 tsp lime juice
Crunchy coating
1/2 cup crushed cornflake or rice crispies cereal
2 tsp dried parsley flakes
1/2 tsp each garlic powder, paprika and black pepper

• Season fish on both sides with salt.
• Combine mayonnaise, yogurt and lime juice. Brush evenly over fish.
• Combine all ingredients for the crunchy coating and dredge the mayonnaise coated fish in this mixture.
• place fillets sprayed with oil in a broiler pan and bake at 450F for 12 to 15 minutes till fish flakes easily.

Quinoa salad

Crunchy coleslaw